The Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) hold two Free Special Dan Grade Courses each year for its Black Belts, the second of which took place at the Sports Village, Bath University last Saturday. The Sports Village is a huge sprawling facility which caters for many sports and is always very busy with numerous athletes in intensive training, including Olympians.

The course was led by KUGB Seniors Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan), Sensei Bob Poynton (8th Dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and was very well attended with over 100 Black Belts ranging from 1st to 7th Dans from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The two-hour intensive course focused on developing Kihon, Kata and Kumite to the highest technical levels. Those in attendance pushed themselves to both their physical and mental limits, studying and striving for perfection.

Attendance on the Special Dan Grade Course and other black belt courses is fundamental to the development of a Dan Grade's standard of Karate, not only personally, but also as Instructors.

The Dan Grading took place in the fantastic purpose-built Dojo and the following candidates were successful. Congratulations to you all.